Bobby Robson is revered as a god-like figure by millions of Newcastle United supporters after resurrecting the club's fortunes in such spectacular fashion.

Devotees packed into every corner of St James's Park constantly sing his name and he cannot step out into the city he loves without avoiding the mob of adoring fans who worship the very ground he walks on.

Many have his name tattooed on various body parts, while others name their offspring Bobby, Robson, Rob or Bob. He is everybody's favourite grandfather-figure and a first class football coach to boot.

Yet, amazingly, he cannot call himself a bona fide Newcastle United Hero. That privilege is now the sole preserve of players past and present - Charlie Crowe, Malcolm Macdonald, Alan Shearer, Marcelino and the like.

(Yes, even Marcelino is a prospective member, but more of that glaring anomaly later.)

On this occasion Robson's name was not down but Mick Martin, doorman for the day, allowed him in. As usual he stole the show with a typically humorous and astute speech which had players past and present rocking in the aisles.

He may not qualify as one of Newcastle's Heroes but he proved to be the perfect host on a day when United's proud playing past was celebrated in style. Right down to the garlic prawns.

"People seem to forget that I turned down this club to go to Fulham," mused the current Magpies' manager. "I must have been crazy.

"I'm envious of every single player who has pulled on a black-and-white shirt, and in a playing sense I will never be part of this club.

"That's sad but that's life. I'm simply delighted that I can play a part in this launch and I know the chairman and his board are committed to fostering an ongoing relationship with players past and present.

"I'm certain it will grow into a strong and proud organisation over the years."

Robson recalled the time he took a telephone call from one of his own Newcastle heroes and how neither he nor his idol could contain their excitement. "I was managing Ipswich Town and my secretary asked if she could put a call through from Albert Stubbins," smiled the veteran of more than 50 seasons in the professional game. "Albert Stubbins, I thought? I said to myself that there can't be many of them and informed my secretary to put the call through.

"'Are you THE Albert Stubbins of Newcastle United fame?' I asked the caller.

"He confirmed he was the man in question and I was happy to inform him that he was my hero when I used to go and watch the Magpies as a lad.

"The funny thing was that he was so nervous about speaking to me before he made the call. Albert needn't have worried - I was just as excited to speak to him!"

Robson's tale of hero conversing with hero clearly struck a chord with many of those present.

Peter Beardsley recounted the tale of how he got to know Charlie Crowe as a young boy growing up in Longbenton, and Crowe still counts Beardsley among his all-time United greats. Mutual respect, it would seem, will be a key ingredient of this very special club.

As Robson would testify, the Heroes organisation is a suitably exclusive group.

However, in terms of honouring those who have worn the black-and-white it is utterly inclusive.

The official literature reads as follows: "Membership is open to any player who has played for Newcastle United in a 1st XI fixture - in a league, cup or friendly match."

And this is where the Heroes organisation would appear to be flawed.

Fair play to founder member Martin and his fellow committee men for allowing each and every one of the Magpies' former players their rightful place in the Heroes' fold. But should Marcelino, Rob McDonald, Mike Larnach, Andrew Parkinson, Phil McGovern, Fumaca and their ilk really be allowed to share a stage with Macdonald, Shearer and Crowe?

According to the aforementioned Brazilian with experience at Grimsby, Crystal Palace and Kingston Park, his application will be on Martin's desk early next week - assuming the letter has not been lost in the post.